Monday 10 April 2017 12:09, UK
Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season at the 2017 EFL Awards.
The award winners were revealed at the Hilton Park Lane in central London on Sunday night, and Sheffield United's Billy Sharp took the honours in League One, while Doncaster striker John Marquis was League Two Player of the Season.
The shortlist for the Championship award comprised the division's top two goal scorers in the shape of Chris Wood, who has bagged 24 goals for Leeds, and Newcastle's Dwight Gayle (22 goals) plus Knockaert.
The Frenchman has notched 13 goals, and added eight assists, and his skillful wing play has played huge part in Brighton's success.
The Seagulls are currently on top of the Championship table and are 12 points clear of third-placed Huddersfield, so look firmly on course for promotion to the Premier League.
Sheffield United have already secured promotion from League One, thanks to Saturday's victory at Northampton.
And to cap a great weekend for the Blades, Sharp has been named the League One Player of the Season, having so far contributed a league-leading 26 goals to the cause, with six assists for good measure.
Doncaster have also already been promoted after a fantastic campaign in League Two and Rovers picked up four awards on the night.
Marquis leads the League Two scoring charts with 26 goals, helping Doncaster to pull six points clear at the top of the table.
He took the Player of the Season award, while Andy Butler received the PFA Player in the Community Award, Darren Ferguson was named the manager of the EFL's Team of the Season, and Rovers fan Paul Mayfield claimed the EFL Supporter of the Year prize.
Former manager Barry Fry's distinguished career was marked on the night, with the 71-year-old collecting the Contribution to League Football Award.
Fry said: "I went into management very early. I was 28 when I got my first manager's job.
"I lasted 32 years and I, like you, are absolutely amazed that I lasted that long.
"I had a great time as a manager. I've been to Wembley four times and won every time, I've won Play-Off games, I've won leagues, I've won cups but, to get this honour is the greatest achievement I've ever been awarded, and thank you very much the English Football League."
Brentford's Kevin O'Connor was the recipient of the Sir Tom Finney Award, an accolade that is presented to a player who has had an exceptional career in the EFL.
Having progressed through the Bees' youth system, O'Connor made 501 first team appearances for the club and is now Brentford B Head Coach.
"Ever since I've been here, the club as a whole has looked after me," said O'Connor.
"All I've done is get paid to play football, work hard and tried to act how you should do. It seems to have worked out OK!"
Ollie Watkins of Exeter City was named the EFL Young Player of the Season.
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